Approaches to Languages and Cultures

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• interpret and reflect critically, at an advanced level, on a range of approaches to cultural analysis
• communicate a high-level academic argument in written form
• demonstrate confidence and skill when engaging in high-level academic discussion and debate
• structure your ideas in a clear, coherent manner consistent with an advanced academic level.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• engage in advanced analysis of high-level arguments and approaches
• communicate complex, advanced ideas and arguments in a written reflective report
• manage deadlines and make effective use of your time
• express reflection on complex ideas in a succinct and concise manner.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• advanced academic approaches to theoretical reading and analysis
• the principles of advanced research in the Humanities.
• how to engage with, and reflect upon, advanced academic and theoretical texts relevant to high-level understanding of world cultures
• advanced academic approaches to a range of texts and media
• the key analytical frameworks necessary for the MA Languages and Cultures programme

The syllabus will change year-to-year, but might include segments on:

– approaches to written texts

– approaches to images and film

– approaches to ideology

– approaches to media

– approaches to representation

Teaching and learning methods

The module will consist of guided independent readings, discussion-based seminars aimed at facilitating understanding and building critical skills, and short assessments with an emphasis on reflection.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Barthes, Roland (1977). Image–Music–Text.

Young, Robert (1981). Untying the Text: A Poststructuralist Reader.

Phelan, James, and Peter J. Rabinowitz, eds (2005). A Companion to Narrative Theory.

Barry, Peter (2009). Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory.

Rose, Gillian (2016). Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials.

Sontag, Susan (1977). On Photography.

Mirzoeff, Nicholas (2009). An Introduction to Visual Culture.

Hall, Stuart, ed. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices.

Longhurst, Brian et al (2016). Introducing Cultural Studies.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External